501.BC Indonesia/11–448: Telegram
The Consul General at Batavia (Livengood) to the Secretary of State
975. Gocus 431. Herewith text personal letter November 3 from Stikker to Cochran mentioned Gocus 430:1
“Now it has been agreed official talk between Hatta and myself will take place tomorrow, I feel myself obliged, knowing nothing yet about result this meeting but convinced its major importance, to explain in strictly personal way why in my opinion there is some slight reason for hope.
I am aware that task of good officer in Indonesian problem is very difficult one and sometimes perhaps must give rise to despair. In my view reason is that real issue not being and cannot be decided in council room where delegations meet. It cannot even be decided by few cabinet ministers. Decisive influence lies where popular will is moulded; in democratic Netherlands, i.e. in our Parliament.
Now there is very important development in this respect.
Looking at different political parties in Netherlands, after liberation Holland, following analysis of their attitude as regards Indonesian problem could be forecast.
Catholic Party, moved by its conception of life and [apparent omission] its church which does not weigh importance of human acts by its immediate results but only takes in consideration eternal values, was certain to accept nationalist movement at its own value provided law, order and human rights were respected.
Labour Party, based on its principles and on practice its continuous defense of poor and weak, would certainly stand for and protect call for freedom of ‘underdog’. Some enthusiasts with insufficient appreciation for realistic view might go too far even in opinion their co-party members but decisions would be clearly in favor nationalist movement.
Some parties of Protestant religious denomination could be expected to condemn every revolutionary movement accepting in principle ultimate aims of nationalism but criticising present leaders and doubting their capacities for heavy and unknown responsibility of full self-government. Last of all my own group, which although principle of liberty is its creed, is inclined to forget this principle and—being recruited largely from certain class—is of a very critical nature when law and order are disturbed.
Communists are of no importance and their negative and destructive attitude is not worthy to be taken into account.
Catholic and Labour Parties came into office with small majority in Parliament, too small to carry amendments to constitution.
I felt there was going to be sufficient majority in my country to solve in generous way Indonesian problem and to give freedom which was asked for, a change in attitude had to come from opposition parties.
[Page 453]During occupation of Netherlands we learned something about real values of life and personally I, more than ever before, became convinced that freedom if accompanied by responsibility and tolerance is first requisite of human existence and community of men.
Starting from that point of view there were two problems which gripped my imagination and being of practical nature I felt myself urged to study and if possible help solve difficulties around these two problems.
One was relations between capital and labor, between employers and trade unions, and it might interest you to know that after 2 years of careful planning I succeeded in convincing responsible officials that only solution for social problems after war in our poverty stricken country would be found in one joint organization, foundation or to speak in words which are more used in terms our present policy in Indonesia a ‘union’ of all employers and trade unions. This vision led to success and in this union of two equal parties who share responsibilities we have been able fight together against inflation and strikes and this is background for our quick reconstruction.
Other problem was Indonesia. By careful maneuvering I succeeded to convince my party and I believe as a consequence thereof also one of other religious parties which is not as dogmatic in its fight against revolution as anti-revolutionary party that new methods had to be followed, and that freedom had to be handed to millions of Indonesians. Only recently Netherlands Parliament demonstrated their deliberate intention to go that way.
Have always tried to keep out of political responsibility but since it became known what influence I had tried to exercise this could not be prevented any longer. Now I am here as consequence my own policy. Netherlands are ready and it only depends on Republic officials. What are their real intentions, can I convince sufficient number of them of our good will and if so will they be able get sufficient support?
Time has run out, we cannot wait any longer for solution but I intend make final effort to convince the other side of our sincere intentions. May God give me strength to succeed.”
Signed Cochran.
- Infra.↩